How hydration affects lactate threshold in endurance athletes.

It is well known that dehydration can have a negative impact on athletic performance, and researchers based in New Hampshire have been looking at the impact of dehydration on lactate threshold. Subjects taking part in the study completed two treadmill runs to exhaustion in two states of hydration (normal and dehydrated).

The results indicated that when athletes were dehydrated lactate threshold occurred significantly earlier during exercise and at a lower absolute maximal aerobic capacity, ventilation rate, rating of perceived exertion and heart rate than when they were normally hydrated. The implication is that endurance athletes might not be able to sustain high intensity efforts if they are in a significantly dehydrated state (-4%).

Most readers are probably well aware of the importance of maintaining proper hydration status, but this research reinforces the need for athletes to consume and coaches to ensure adequate fluid intake in order to prevent dehydration.

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol 16 (1) 38-43

Nick Grantham